The Mandara Seventh-day Adventist Church Online community has expressed profound grief following the tragic death of church member and talented pianist Brian Nandana.
In a heartfelt condolence message, the church described Brian as a gifted young man whose life showed great promise before it was suddenly cut short.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the Nandana family on the untimely loss of our beloved brother, Brian Nandana,” the church said.
Church members said Brian was not only committed to his faith but also used his musical talent to serve the church community, leaving behind lasting memories among fellow worshippers.
“As Mandara SDA Church Online, we are greatly saddened by this tragic loss. We have lost not only a gifted pianist and fellow Seventh-day Adventist member, but also a young man whose future was beginning to shine with great promise and hope ahead,” read part of the statement.
The church also encouraged mourners to remain steadfast in faith during the difficult period.
“In this difficult time, we encourage the family and all church members to remain strong in the Lord and hold on to God’s promises,” the statement continued.
The tribute comes after a shocking murder case emerged in Harare involving 34-year-old Shepherd Severa, who appeared before the magistrates’ court facing allegations of murdering his friend, 28-year-old Brian Nandana.
Prosecutors told the court that the incident allegedly began after Severa contacted Nandana requesting a meeting at Pfukwa Shopping Centre in Warren Park D over a reported debt dispute.
It is alleged that after the two met, Severa strangled Nandana before allegedly using a knife to cut his throat.
The State further claims the accused later drove the deceased’s vehicle to the Warren Hills cemetery area, where he allegedly disposed of the body in a gravel pit and attempted to conceal it with stones.
According to court proceedings, the alleged crime was exposed after a nearby security supervisor reportedly observed suspicious activity at the scene. Severa is said to have fled on foot after realising he had been noticed, allegedly leaving behind Nandana’s iPhone 12.
Detectives from the CID Homicide Unit later recovered the cellphone and allegedly found text conversations exchanged between the accused and the deceased shortly before the incident.
Police investigations are still ongoing.
